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Video: AR Rahman enthralls Dubai, despite fog and cold

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Video: AR Rahman enthralls Dubai, despite fog and cold

Dubai - The concert was a true celebration of A. R. Rahman's 25-year journey in the music industry.

By Ambica Sachin

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Published: Sat 27 Jan 2018, 12:08 PM

Last updated: Mon 5 Feb 2018, 8:38 AM

In the early hours of January 27, with heavy fog swirling all around, when A. R. Rahman took to the mic at Bollywood Parks to ask the audience if they were ready for one more song, the resounding yes left one in no doubt about the talent of the man who answers to the sobriquet of Mozart of Madras.
A moniker Rahman lived up to through the night along with his talented posse of singers including Neeti Mohan, Armaan Malik, Benny Dayal, Jonita Gandhi, Haricharan Seshadri, Harshdeep Kaur and Javed Ali.

The 3 and a half hour concert was a true celebration of A. R. Rahman's 25-year journey in the music industry spanning Tamil and Hindi songs proving yet again his pan-Indian appeal. There was even the high-energy Padakaali song from the Mohanlal starrer Yodha to keep his Malayali fans happy, done with great gusto by Benny Dayal and Haricharan Seshadri.
Kicking off with the soothing Ghar Aa Jaa Parindey (Rockstar), the concert slowly evolved over the next couple of hours to cover Dil Se, Chandralekha, Muqabala Muqabala, Saatiya and Jiya re Jiya . Such was the magic that after a while, the nearly one-a half-hour delay in starting the concert and the half empty seats were forgotten as the audience became one with the music. 
There was something for everyone, whether you were an old-time fan of Rahman or a new convert. He even took the 'Time Machine' route to put some nostalgic melodies out there, which were met with huge applause from the crowd starting off with Kehna Hi Kya from Bombay.
While the young troupe pumped up the energy of the concert, whether it was Neeti Mohan or Jonita Gandhi whose peppy numbers brought in a spring to the show, it was a classic Rahman who was the hit throughout the night.
Stage-managing the entire show, seated with his prized possesion, the grand piano on a raised platform, he was the master of ceremonies, bringing all the different elements together. For much of the concert, Rahman showcased his vocals, wowing even the sceptics with his high range - and then allowed the others to infuse a peppy atmosphere.
The only song that stood out like a sore thumb among all the classics was the Battery song from Rajinkanth's upcoming 2.0 movie by Shankar. But one which might soon be taking over the nightclubs for all we know.
The Mustafa Mustafa (Kadhal Desam) song saw his entire entourage on stage and with Rahman (not known to be the best of speakers at the best of times) thanking his fans for remaining his friends for over so many years it was a befitting tribute to all gathered.
Towards the end, when the stage was cleared and Rahman and a select group took to the forefront for a qawali style rendition, the atmosphere suddenly changed.

His Khwaja Mere Khwaja from Jodha Akbar took the show to a sublime level altogether.
The last one hour of the much-delayed concert was perhaps the best part of the show - the swirling fog might have made visibility an issue for many seated behind, and dropping temperatures ensured only the brave were left behind as A.R Rahman brought The Journey: A Celebration of Music to a rousing end at nearly one in the morning on January 27. With a cheeky, "I'm late as usual." statement as he wished the gathered revellers a happy Republic Day (India celebrated its 69th Republic Day on January 26) he launched into the patriotic Maa Tujhe Salaam that had nearly everyone in the audience swaying on their feet.

That perhaps was the best apology the audience could expect from him. Not that they wouldn't have stayed back for the maestro to continue his magic, but alas, there was a flight to catch (for Rahman) and for the crowd, fog to be dealt with (and for hordes of attendees a long walk to the car park) as they made their way home with the sound of music in their heart.
The concert might have had its hiccups, but the talent of A. R. Rahman and his troupe was in no doubt. And let's hope next time he is on time!


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